Mastering Physics Work for Tackling Complex Problems

[planetking25]

Im trying to understand how to approach this problem.

 

[planetking25]

For the first part i got F=(0.5(M +m)v^2)/d

 

[A.T.]

For the first part i got F=(0.5(M +m)v^2)/d

For the first question that is already too much. It's a trivial question about the definition of work. For the second part you should find the force acting on the plate, and again apply the definition of work.

 

[planetking25]

For the first question that is already too much. It's a trivial question about the definition of work. For the second part you should find the force acting on the plate, and again apply the definition of work.

What do you mean? I did use the definition of work to solve this

 

[A.T.]

What do you mean? I did use the definition of work to solve this

What do you need that "(0.5(M +m)v^2)" part for?

 

[planetking25]

What do you need that "(0.5(M +m)v^2)" part for?

Are you not supposed to solve for F using the work formula?

 

[A.T.]

Are you not supposed to solve for F using the work formula?

You are supposed to find W, not F. And what does "(0.5(M +m)v^2)" have to do with that?